Fiorentina manager Paolo Vanoli is asking his squad to cast aside their fears and play with absolute freedom when they host Crystal Palace at the Stadio Franchi this Thursday. The Viola face a monumental challenge, needing a clear 3-0 victory to overturn their first leg deficit and secure a spot in the Conference League semifinals.
Vanoli is highly realistic about the difficult task ahead. However, after leading Fiorentina through an incredible Serie A survival campaign this season, he knows firsthand that the impossible is attainable when players stop overthinking. He urged his team to play with a clear mind and aim for something truly extraordinary. According to Vanoli, success in this fixture will rely less on technical perfection and more on raw desire, bravery, and the willingness to take risks.
The manager was also very open about how this European journey fits into their rollercoaster season. After securing only four points in their first 11 league matches, Serie A survival had to be the absolute priority. Yet, he acknowledged that competing in the Conference League remains a fundamental goal for a club of Fiorentina’s historical stature. He views facing a high quality Premier League team like Crystal Palace as a vital learning experience, noting that struggling against strong opponents ultimately forces a team to grow.
When asked about his own position at the club, Vanoli was characteristically blunt. He stated firmly that his future should not be dictated by a single European fixture. He argued that advancing does not suddenly make him a tactical genius, just as being eliminated does not make him a mediocre coach. He also took a moment to critique Italian football culture, pointing out the irony that fans often demand courageous play but are quick to criticize it when they actually see it on the pitch.
Looking ahead to the starting lineup, Fiorentina will definitely be without the suspended Dodô. Meanwhile, the medical staff is closely monitoring Pongracic for a hamstring issue, and Moise Kean is being evaluated on a daily basis to see if he can reach match fitness in time. On a positive note, Daniele Rugani is fully available after putting in an impressive performance against Lazio.